The entire nutrition community has been anxiously awaiting the release of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report (yes, it’s what we do!). The report was finally released last week. Although much of the chatter may seem vague, these recommendations tend to influence what we eat, how food is processed and how governmental policy takes shape. Read more

Acai is perhaps the original superfood: This South American fruit gained popularity well before we had even heard of goji berries or chia seeds. The reddish-purple berry looks similar to a small grape and grows on palm trees in the Amazon rainforest. It is reported to contain more antioxidants than cranberries or any other berry and more grams of protein than eggs. Although the blended fruit shares the same appearance as blueberries, it has a very different flavor. What is most striking about the way it tastes is the earthy, rich and almost cocoa-like tones. It was this hint of chocolate that inspired me to blend it with some raw cacao — another antioxidant-rich ingredient — making this smoothie perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. If you want more of a chocolate boost, be sure to top it with cacao nibs. Read more

You may want to sit down for this one: In spite of its moniker, shape and thin outer skin, the sweet potato is not actually related to the common potato. These tubers, first cultivated in South America at about 2500 B.C., are instead part of the morning glory family. While the most recognizable are orange-fleshed, these beauties can be white or yellow inside with their skin ranging from white to yellow, orange, red or purple.

In the world of starches, rice always proves to be a reliable side; but for something more seductive, let risotto be the star of the meal. Hearty from plump Arborio rice and creamy from a combination of butter and cheese, a good risotto will melt on the plate and complement a range of ingredients, from crab to asparagus.

It’s fun to find a dad’s eyes and a mom’s smile on a toddler’s face, and when I can figure out the sisters in a group just by their mannerisms, I feel proud, like I just solved a puzzle. The sensitive me always notices a dad carrying a baby and wishes I could reverse time and hold my kids at that young age one more day. The professional me is quick to note when one kid appears thin and athletic and the other looks round and soft. Same gene pool. Same food in the fridge. Same access to exercise and likely similar lifestyles.

At il Buco, the beloved Italian restaurant in New York City’s East Village, Chef Joel Hough spans the Mediterranean for inspiration. “I like to play around with Spanish and Moorish influences and the flavors of Southern Italy,” he says. This means dishes like quail with pickled dried fruit and pomegranate; spaghetti with olive oil-poached swordfish, Calabrian chiles, capers and parsley; and Bella Bella Farms baby chicken with roasted baby beets, blood orange and mustard greens.

I should be honest and tell you that before making this breakfast I was not that fond of black or red quinoa. I know it’s surprising coming from a true whole-grain enthusiast, but the fact is that pearl quinoa (sometimes labeled as white) has a much more pleasant and versatile texture — which is why I cook it weekly. Although extremely pretty, black and red quinoa are best used in meals that benefit from a seedlike crunch and a texture that is not what I look for in a hot breakfast. But, after a few months of smooth and creamy breakfast porridges, I was ready to shake things up a little.

In honor of American Heart Month, we sat down with dietitian Ellie Krieger, in partnership with Campbell Soup Company, to discuss the importance of leading a heart-healthy lifestyle. The cookbook author gave us a peek into her daily eating and fitness routine.

For someone who is constantly around food, Ellie knows the importance of not overindulging, “I’ll try to plan recipe testing around lunch, and I do try to just have a few tastes if I’m making multiple recipes and try not to have full servings of food,” she says. “Fortunately, I’m cooking my food so it lends itself to not weighing you down. If I was testing cookies all day, it would be hard.” But it’s not just about nutrition, she notes: “Being active, working out, is my ticket to physical well-being and sanity. You know how people are hardcore? I’m softcore. But I like to sweat and push myself. I love vinyasa yoga, and I love to be outside, biking around Central Park or hiking. I’m much more of a jogger than a runner, but I’m getting my heart rate up and I’m feeling good.”Read more